The Dark Expanse - Astral Clash Series - Book 1

by Jack Hammond

  Max grinned, “They haven’t done with me,” he sighed in relief. “Take nothing, leave now and meet at thirteen Portman Road. Edward, you clever bastard,” He declared rolling up the paper and heading out, pausing at the door he looked at his coat on the floor. “Screw it, it’s too cold, I’m taking you.” He put on his coat and headed outside into the street.

  All the way to his destination, Max wondered what awaited him. Was it a new assignment? Maybe it was Thomas? It wouldn’t be the police, or death, he was certain about that. They'd have been at his house, lying in wait. His mind shifted to Sandra, she must have been going out of her mind. He imagined her cursing him, hating him. Max never wanted to hurt her. He wanted the transition to be less horrific.

  The street was hidden on both sides by huge overhanging trees, even with bare branches; there were enough of them to block the view easily. That gave Max some comfort as he made his way down the gravelled road. Tall weather worn walls hid the houses from eye level; each entrance had a thick wooden gate, also ravaged by time. The wood was all cracked and stained, the edges splintered and discoloured. Max stopped mid-stride, his eyes widened as he reached his destination. Painted on the fence in red paint was the number thirteen. He smiled to himself as he peered inside.

  A large well-kept house stood about twenty feet from the doorway. Concrete slabs covered the entire area; Max stepped in and closed the gate behind him. He looked around, but saw no one, it was quiet. Not even the sound of the main roads traffic broke through the dense tree line.

  “Hello?” Max said almost silently to himself. He made his way across the garden and nervously edged up the three steps to the door. White PVC, with a brass letter box and a small glass window. Max looked through, but the warped nature of the glass made it impossible to make out any shapes.

  “Do I knock, or just go in?” He quizzed himself. “Well they must be expecting you Max,” he replied.

  The door was unlocked. The release mechanism popped as he turned the handle and moved inside. It was warm, much warmer than outside. The house was empty, not just of furniture, but carpets, wallpaper, everything. The smell of freshly painted wood hit him. The strong aroma made him wince as he entered the first room. It was the lounge, and it was not empty.

  A brand new bed was awaiting him, still wrapped in plastic, an arm chair, two big cardboard boxes and a chest of drawers. They all sat neatly in the centre of the white room; a beige carpet had been laid in here, but nowhere else.

  On the chair sat an envelope made of red card, Max pondered if he should open it or just leave. His curiosity got the better of him and opened it. With a swift tear, he emptied the contents onto the chair. Max reeled in surprise as a silver necklace and a piece of paper fell out. He opened the note, it read:

  We need to talk.

  Who did? Max thought looking at the design. He memorised the symbol on the necklace, he didn’t know where it came from, but it was like the one he had worn for the last six years. He opened his jacket and removed the chain from around his neck. Even after everything that had happened today, this jewelry still held value to him, it felt safe. He put the new one on, and uncertainty overwhelmed him. Where would this emblem take him? He perched himself on the edge of the new bed, the plastic crumpling under his weight. Max closed his eyes and made the transition.

  Surrounded once again by the dark expanse Max felt strange, it looked the same as any darkness but something lurked in the shadows. He turned around on the spot, and saw no buildings, no structures, just the expanse.

  “Welcome,” a voice said from inside the void. It was stern and powerful, not inviting.

  “Where am I? Who are you?”

  “You have been chosen Max Carter.” The voice declared.

  Max asked, “Chosen for what? Where are you?”

  “Here,” the voice replied again, this time not surrounding him.

  Max looked at the shadowy form, the expanse had manifested, “Who are you?”

  “A friend,” it replied.

  “Why do I doubt you?”

  “Max Carter, you have been cast out of your order. I have chosen you. I have given you your life.”

  “Why was I?” Max asked angrily, “What did I do?”

  “You showed weakness.” The voice answered immediately.

  “Why do you want me then?” Max posed the question.

  “I see you Max, I see you for what you can become, not what you are.”

  “Where are we?” he asked looking around, “I’ve never seen this expanse before.”

  “This is your home, you’re safe. Nobody will harm you here, nobody can find you as you slumber now Max.”

  “What about you?” he replied.

  “I have work for you. Important work if you want it?” it offered. The form swayed like a smoky shadow. Parts were breaking away before reforming moments later.

  Max took a second to weigh things up in his mind. He had few options and this voice, this thing, could provide him safety. How could he refuse? What was he left with? “What work?” Max finally asked.

  “It is an assignment, as always,” the voice explained. “I will protect you from the Associates and when the time is right, you shall return,” the voice raised in volume. “A new man.”

  “They will take me back?”

  “No.” It replied bluntly, “You will be one of them.”

  Max gasped, “An Associate?!”

  “Yes, whatever is left of them,” the voice informed him.

  Max couldn’t see its face, the expanse hid it from him, but he knew it was it was smiling, maybe even laughing. “You’re going to take over the Associates?”

  “Yes.” It said simply.

  “You’re one of them aren’t you?” Max asked. “You must be, to be this powerful.”

  The voice fell silent. Max heard the howling wind from the expanse in the distance. The form continued to whirl, like a smoky vapour. “There are more things in the expanse. Darker, more powerful things than the Associates,” the voice finally answered. “Don’t be afraid, Max, you are chosen.”

  “I’m not afraid.” Max replied honestly. A sensation of safety washed over him.

  “Good.”

  “What is my assignment?” Max requested.

  “All in good time,” the form evaporated into the dark, leaving Max alone.

  Max flopped back onto the bed and opened his eyes. With a huge sigh of relief he laughed. What had just happened? He'd been chosen by something more powerful than the Associates? How had it used Edward to pass along a message? Too many questions and Max was too tired, he needed to sleep. At least he knew his slumber would be safe, for now.

  Chapter Two

  The blue and silver birthday paper tore easily as it was stripped away piece by piece. Wesley was faced with his own reflection, cocked his head to one side, and squinted at his mirror image. An unruly mop of blonde hair, jeans and a top with the comical phrase, ‘I’m with stupid’, did the birthday boy little justice. Wesley smiled and looked at his mum, “You got me this year, I had no idea it was going to be a mirror.”

  “Well your dad got you what you wanted,” Holly said, the edges of her mouth curling slightly. “So I thought I’d get you something you might actually need,” the slight curl now forming a full smile.

  “It is great mum thanks.” Wesley said giving her a kiss on the cheek.

  The mirror stood over six feet tall. Made from dark mahogany wood, with a perfectly exquisite hand crafted design, which adorned the outer edging, everything culminated at the pinnacle of the piece, with a single symbol. Too busy admiring his own reflection to notice, Wesley was joined by his uncle and his dad. The well-dressed man was Chad, Wes’ uncle. He was wearing a tailored royal blue suit, a starched white shirt, silk tie and chunky gold cufflinks. Chad Finton was dressed for success, unlike his brother who like Wesley wore jeans and a T-shirt.

  “That’s a creation of sheer beauty,” Chad exclaimed adjusting his tie in the mirror.

  �
�That it is.” His dad agreed puffing his chest out.

  Chad looked at Joe trying to suck in the gut he’d spent the last ten years cultivating. With a laugh he jabbed at him, “You’ll pass out before that goes, Joe.”

  “Shut up, it’s all paid for,” he retorted with a degree of pride.

  “Tell you what, Wes.” Chad threw an arm around the young man, “There’s hope for you. I’ll get you an appointment with my guy.”

  Enthusiasm filled his voice, “The suit guy?!”

  “Of course,” he winked.

  “Sweet,” Wesley said turning to his dad, “did you hear that?”

  “Yeah, every man needs a suit son, isn’t that right Holly?” Joe said.

  Holly continued to smile, “A man looks good in two things an expensive suit and…” she was interrupted.

  “A coffin,” Chad jokingly added with a devilish grin.

  Holly laughed, with a shake of her head she made her way into the kitchen, closely followed by the trio of Finton men. Chad and Joe still exchanging childish insults with each other. The buffet was huge; the three of them paused in the doorway to marvel at its magnificence. Holly knew it was excessive, but her motto was, ‘too much is better, than not enough’.

  Pork pies, scotch eggs and sausage roll segments filled several silver trays, sandwiches with ham and salad filled another. Bowls of crisps and dips were strategically placed around the table, so no one would struggle to reach them. Then there were sweets, trifles and the big one, a lavish blue and white marzipan sponge cake, which sat centre table, ‘Happy Sixteenth Birthday’ was written in the middle, with the traditional sixteen candles.

  “Now that’s a nice looking spread, Holly,” Chad said first.

  “Looks great, love,” Dad continued.

  “Thanks mum, it’s awesome.” Wesley said concluding the praise.

  “Sit down then, come on,” Holly urged as she placed the plates around the table, “What time’s Luke getting here?” the doorbell rang before he had a chance to answer, “Never mind,” she said.

  “I’ll get it,” Wesley replied rushing to the door.

  More like brothers than friends, Luke and Wesley had been inseparable since they were eight years old. The two of them had grown up together, sharing everything, good times and bad, the good outweighing the bad by a huge percentage. Luke nodded as the door opened, “Happy birthday leg-end,” he jabbed humorously at him.

  “Thanks mate,” Wes replied.

  Luke’s eyes bulged at the sight of the feast. “Whoa, this is amazing!” he said in astonishment.

  “Thank you Luke, sit down.” Holly said warmly.

  “Hi, Mr Finton,” he said sitting down. “And hi, Mr Finton.” He added turning to Chad.

  “He’s Mr Finton, I’m just Chad,” he corrected him.

  With a deep breath, Wesley blew all sixteen candles out in one puff. Wesley accepted the mandatory applause for a moment before making a wish and cutting the cake.

  “What did you wish for?” his dad asked.

  “He’s not allowed to say Joe, you know the rules.” Chad reminded him.

  Wesley smiled sheepishly as he handed his mum a slice of cake, “I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to.”

  “Secrets, secrets, secrets,” Chad laughed edging forward to get the next piece, which Wesley duly passed to him.

  The talk around the table was mostly about Wesley’s previous year. He had excelled in all his classes and was on course for getting top grades in his exams. The topic of conversation didn’t interest Wesley or Luke, having lived the year. Then later the five of them laughed at Chad’s stories, his latest exploits in faraway lands.

  “So what’s Russia really like then?” Holly asked.

  “It’s a fantastic place. St Petersburg is filled with magic,” Chad said full of wonderment.

  “How long were you there for?” Joe asked.

  “Three weeks this time.” Chad said finishing the remnants of a sausage roll segment.

  Chad Finton spent most his time working abroad. Luke and Wesley often wondered what exactly he did. He always avoided the question, or answered cryptically. Luke had jokingly said he was a spy, like James Bond or Jason Bourne, only better dressed.

  “I’m off to Taiwan next week,” Chad continued, washing the sausage roll down with a mouthful of water.

  “What’s in Taiwan?” Luke asked inquisitively.

  “I’m working on a deal for some property over there, nothing too interesting,” he said vaguely. “So what did your dad get you?” Chad said changing the subject.

  “A new game,” he replied.

  “It’s got some mad ratings in the magazines,” Luke chimed in.

  “Do you have it as well?” Chad asked.

  “No, not yet,” Luke said, with disappointment apparent in his tone.

  Even though they were all full, the five of them managed to find room for more cake. Wesley and Luke moved into the living room, leaving the others in the kitchen. Holly was starting to clear away the table, Chad and Joe leaned back in their chairs in an attempt to ease their stomachs.

  “Can I ask?” Chad began, “Why wasn’t Wes, a bit more chuffed with his present?”

  “He’s sixteen. He can’t appreciate a mirror like that,” Holly replied.

  “No, not the mirror,” he explained. “The game, he didn’t seem that happy.”

  Joe sat forward, “It’s because Luke hasn’t got it yet.”

  “Oh right.”

  “He’s got a brother and sister. Money is tighter, you know,” Holly explained.

  Luke checked out the screen shots on the back. “Damn, it looks brilliant.”

  “Yeah,” Wes said indifferently.

  Luke knew straight away why his friend was less than pleased. “Don’t worry bro. You can get some practice in before I get it,” Luke reassured him. “Then I can own you!”

  “Like that’ll make any difference,” Wes laughed.

  Uncle Chad strolled into the lounge, his hands firmly in his trouser pockets and a genuinely curious look on his face. “So is that the game?” Chad asked gesturing with a nod.

  “Yeah, it’s sweet. Check it out.” Luke said passing the case over to him.

  “Looks good,” he replied, glancing at the cover. “Wes, give me and Luke a minute please.”

  They exchanged uneasy glances before Wesley stepped out, leaving the two alone.

  “What’s up Mr Finton?”

  “I told you, call me Chad. You’re like family after all,” he said perching himself on the arm of the chair.

  "Sorry, Chad."

  “I noticed Wes wasn’t too over excited about his present.”

  "It's because I haven't got it yet." He said before admitting, "it’ll be awhile before I get it."

  “Tell you what,” he began. “We don’t want Wes having an unfair advantage, that wouldn’t be right.” He reached into his pocket producing a gold clip holding more money than Luke had ever seen at one time. He peeled off a few notes and offered them to Luke, “Get yourself the game.”

  “Bloody hell,” Luke exclaimed at the wad of cash. “I can’t take it, sorry. My dad would go mad.”

  “Why?” Chad asked in surprise.

  “It’s too much, he'd think I’d nicked it.”

  With a little laugh, he grinned. “That’s easily remedied.”

  Luke stared at him confused, “How?”

  “Well,” Chad’s grin became mischievous.

  Luke had thought he looked quite devilish, a couple of red horns and a pitch fork and he would be set.

  “You take the money. Buy the game, bin the receipt. If your dad asks where you got it, you tell him I loaned it to you while I’m away working. If he doesn’t believe you, you get my number off Wes, I’ll confirm the story and everyone’s happy. Then in a couple of weeks your dad’s forgotten all about it and you can trade it in for something else.”

  Luke’s eyes squinted as he began to go through what Chad had just said. “Man, tha
t would work,” he confirmed cheerfully.

  “Of course it will,” Chad said pushing the cash into the youngster’s hand.

  “You’re a legend, seriously.”

  “A serious legend,” Chad looked thoughtfully for a moment. “I like that.”

  “Thanks!”

  Luke darted enthusiastically into the kitchen, no doubt to tell Wesley, Chad thought. He put his money away as Joe joined him.

  “Couldn’t help yourself, could you?” Joe smiled.

  “You know me.”

  “That I do, I knew as soon as you asked about the game.”

  “Come on, you remember what it was like with us. Mum couldn’t get us anything unless we both had it. And Luke, he’s like family.”

  “I know, I was going to buy him a copy but his dad’s a proud man,” Joe said taking a seat. “He’d see it as charity.”

  “That’s fair enough, but I work around that stuff for a living,” Chad laughed. “I told him if his dad asks I loaned it him.”

  “Jesus Chad, you got him to lie?”

  Chad’s laughter turned into a belly laugh, “A teenage kid lying to his dad. I think that was happening before that game came out.”

  “You’re a bad, bad man.” Joe said, throwing his hands up in disapproval of his brother’s methods.

  The small gathering had been a complete success. Everyone had eaten their fill, and then some. The leftovers were wrapped and put away; they would serve as snacks for over the weekend with ease. Luke left after thanking them for the hospitality and made his way to the local supermarket to buy his game. Chad and Joe were talking in the living room while Holly helped her son into the bedroom with the mirror. Wesley had taken hold of the bottom and Holly was guiding it through the door before they lowered it down with a bump. The pair stepped back and looked at themselves in the glass.

  “You really like it?” she asked.

  “It’s unusual,” Wes admitted. “But it’s very, me.” He confirmed honestly.